Custom Framing Guide, Part 1

Custom framing can seem like a daunting task to many. There is no limit to what can be framed. Here is the first step in a series of guides on how to use custom framing.

What are you trying to frame?

The first step in custom framing is figuring out what to frame. Any frame shop you go to is only going to be able to do so much if you do not have a specific piece in mind. The question becomes: what is important to you? Think about what photographs, artwork, collectibles, prints, craft projects, posters, and decorative items you have in your house. Any of these items can be custom framed to help protect, preserve, and present them in your home.

What needs to be done with the piece?

The next step is understanding the needs of the piece. An original painting from a hundred years ago is going to have different needs than a poster you picked up at a garage sale. Here are some basic guidelines to more commonly custom framed items.

Canvas art should be stretched on stretcher bars. A linen liner should be used inside the frame. No glass should be used on the artwork.

Needlework (needlepoint, cross-stitch, embroidery) should be stretched over acid free foam core. No glass should come in contact with the piece. UV protective glass can be used if the needlework is matted.

Reproducible photography and posters can be done in many ways. They can be dry mounted and framed. Use a finish guard (a type of UV protective covering) or UV protective glass. They can be framed with spacers and UV protective glass. They can be matted and framed with UV protective glass.

One of a kind photography (numbered prints, signed prints, old photographs with no negative or extra copy) should be matted and framed with UV protective glass. Without matting, spacers are necessary.

Original paper art should be matted and framed with UV protective glass. Without matting, spacers are necessary.

Fabric art (textiles, scarves, fabric painting) should be sewn to an acid free backing. They can be matted and framed with UV protective glass. Without matting, spacers are necessary.

Dimensional art (plates, ceramics, sports memorabilia) should be mounted in a shadowbox with all items securely fastened to the sides or back of the box with acid free materials. UV protective glass should be used to protect the pieces. If the items need to be removable, see if the frame shop can do a hinged door rather than having no glass in front.

Unless you understand what needs to be done to the piece, custom framing can become an exercise in frustration. The frame shop employees do not always remember to explain everything that is going to happen. They may even have a lapse in judgement and set up the wrong custom framing process. The easiest way to avoid this is to go in knowing what needs to be done to your piece.

Where is the piece going to hang?

Any frame shop employee can figure out a nice design for a piece. However, it is the customer's responsibility to know where the piece is going to hang. You don't want to wind up with a lime green metal frame in a formal living room, nor would you want a thick and ornate gold leaf frame hanging in a modern dining room. Make sure you can describe what the room is like and what style you prefer before going to the frame counter.

Conclusion

Custom framing is the perfect way to preserve, protect, and display pieces that are important to you, and the possibilities for design and framed pieces are practically limitless. If you know what you want to frame, what needs to be done to properly frame it, and where you will be putting the finished piece, you can begin to look for the right frame shop for you.